Last week, the Ohio Department of Health released information on the new “Stay at Home” order issued by the Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton. According to Governor Mike DeWine, the order will be referred to as the “Stay Healthy and Safe at Home” order. According to DeWine, the new order will allow the slow reopening of the Buckeye state.
“The name is important — Stay Safe Ohio. Not a stay-at-home order,” Governor DeWine explained during Friday’s press conference. “We’ve reached a new stage and I think that’s good news for everybody.”
Governor DeWine added Ohioans should not read anything into the date given of May 29 and the order itself will be superseded as the state issues new reopening orders through the month.
Under the order, Ohioans must “stay at home or at their place of residence except as allowed in this Order.”
Beginning on May 1, medical providers, including dentists, could resume non-essential surgeries and procedures.
On May 4, manufacturing, distribution, and construction businesses can reopen. General office environments can also reopen, however, allowing employees to work from home is strongly encouraged.
Retail stores in Ohio can reopen on May 12th. Stores that restrict their operations to curbside pickup, delivery, or appointment-only can reopen on May 1. The number of customers is limited to 10 at a time.
Schools, restaurants and bars, beauty salons and barber shops, and gyms will remain closed.
As of Friday, May 1, there are 18,743 reported cases of COVID-19, and 1,002 reported deaths related to the infectious disease.
